July 24, 2015

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Life is all about the moments, the good the bad and the ugly. This week has been full of all of them. There has been a lot to celebrate like Maddie's 22nd birthday and this Sunday we are having a brunch with her soon to be in-laws to celebrate their engagement.

Her birthday was a little bittersweet for me thinking about all the changes that are coming. She is the same age I was when she was born! That's scary stuff right there.

I'm also celebrating this article I was asked to contribute by Romantic Homes Magazine for their special Cottage Country issue which I believe hits the newsstands August 4th. I was truly honored to be a part of it.

It's just the sort of thing that would have made my Momma so proud. It seems appropriate to be writing about it today which is the 5th anniversary of the day we lost her. I didn't sleep well last night and was up for for a long time in the wee hours before drifting off this morning and having the sweetest dream about her joining us for our celebration brunch. I cherish those dreams. I feel like she came to comfort me.

Amid the sad anniversaries, the roof and shower leaks, the broken dehumidifier and the car repairs, there is so much to celebrate: new soon-to-be family, personal accomplishments, picnics in the park with friends, a phone call with the dad I couldn't have imagined having a relationship with 5 years ago and the constant love, support and encouragement of my little tribe of people. They are everything to me.

So in the midst of the good, the bad and the ugly, I realize how truly blessed I am to have this life. Even the really hard bits.

Oh Jen Congratulations on the magazine!!!! Bravo to you. I am so excited to see what you create for your daughters wedding. Your girls are so precious, I know how proud you must feel to call them your own! Lori

Congratulations are in order! You are such a sweet optimist. I love visiting here. Has it really been five years? I can still remember. I'm glad you have a relationship with your dad. I wish I'd met mine.Brenda

Poignant times for you, yes? Congratulations on all of the joyful news (I'm currently scouring all of the stores for the magazine!). I hope that you have comfort in knowing how proud your mother would be of you & your family.

Congratulations on the feature Jen. How exciting. Even though we have not met in real life, you are one of the women I think of when I realize how blessed I am to still have my mom to run around with. I never take it for granted...she is my champion just as I'm sure your mom was for you. I know she would be proud of you, not surprised because of course, you hung the moon but so very proud.

Congrats! You certainly deserve it. I love that your blog is "old school" and not filled with all the links and ads like so many today. Yours has always been one of my favorites. All the best to you....

Happy birthday to Maddie! She seems so young to be engaged...but then I remember, I got married a month after I turned 22. I thought I was so grown-up. :-o Congrats on your feature in Romantic Homes magazine. I can't wait to see it when it comes out. Your mom would've been very proud of you, I'm sure. Hugs to you.

Congrats on the feature in the magazine! I'll need to go find a copy!! And happy birthday to your sweet girl…love her cake and gifts! :) Thinking of you, dear friend, in the midst of these sweet, hopeful, and sorrowful moments.

yet another father of the bride reference for you: "you were this age when i married you?!" "no, i was this age when i HAD her. i was younger when you married me." ;) hugs for the sad anniversary. you mom would be so excited for this wedding, and to see your girls grow up. congrats on the article - can't wait to find it and brag to everyone at the bookstore that you're my friend! hugs, pumpkin, for all the changes - good and bad.

Congratulations on your spotlight in the magazine! So exciting! And I'm embarrassed to say I've never read that magazine- but it looks RIGHT UP MY ALLY! Now I'm on the hunt for a copy!And blessings to you as you go through the many emotions of life. I'll say a prayer for you!

Oh, Jen! I'm so happy for you and proud of you! I can't wait to buy my copy of Romantic Homes! I know things are a bit bitter sweet at times, but all of the lovely and exciting events happening in your family are definitely SWEET! You deserve to savor every moment, my dear sweet friend. All I can say about your good news is...YIPPEE! I simply can't stop smiling... that's how happy I am for you! I am so happy and blessed to be among your little tribe of people! Big hugs!!!

Second, I know how hard it is when your child turns a certain age of a major event in your own life. My Annie is the same exact age right now that I became pregnant with my son. I told her to stay away from boys this year LOL

I'm glad you're seeing the bright side of life on the anniversary of your moms passing. I believe she's there with you too.

I just discovered your blog. Just back from Kroger in Bloomington. I got the new Cottage Country magazine! Lovely magazine and then I saw your article and noticed you are a Hoosier as well! I am now signed up for your posts. Blessings

About Me

I'm a Village living, decorating obsessed, home chef, gardener in training, creative spirit and lover of the simple life. I am Mom to 2 sweet girls and wife to 1 amazing man. I love my family, friends and all things cottage and vintage. I believe in taking risks and following your dreams. Life is short. Enjoy every moment.